Disclaimer: I don't own bleach.

Thank you to everyone that has reviewed so far. Now, I'm nearing (not really) to the part where Keiji comes in to decide the Shinigami's fate. I'm trying to decide who Keiji should fight in the last battle, so I guess it's sort of up to you guys. If you want a certain character to fight him, just tell me, and I'll try to make it work. I'm leaning on Ichigo, but there's also Rukia, Hitsugaya, and Rika, so I'm not that sure. So, that and any ideas I will accept!

Chapter 9

Keiji lazily started moving towards Soul Society. By the time he got there, chances were high that the battle had almost ended. The last few he could finish off easily... if only he had his Zanpakutou...

He closed his eyes, thinking back to that time. He knew where his sword was, but the problem lied in getting it. He finally made the choice of waiting patiently, he wouldn't have to lift a finger if all went as planned.

Deaths: Shinigamis: 0

Hallows: 1

"some no mai, tsukishiro"

It was the first dance, again. Rukia's Third Release form. Snow blew, gently circling around her. Then, it shot upwards, disappearing into the sun. As the snow cleared, a pale, ghostly figure was shown. Her black hair and violet eyes were the only things that stood out against everything else. White roses adorned her hair, and she wore a plain white gown. It was a lovely, flowing type of gown, but she would still be able to fight with ease.

She stood, looking like an angel: graceful and beautiful. The only part that hinted fear was her sword. From afar, it looked as if the sword itself was forged of ice. Light reflected off it, showing it's clearness. A long ribbon twisted out from the end of the hilt, swirling in the wind. From the sky where the snow had gone upwards, now fell to the ground.

She was ready to protect, to fight, to kill.

'This is the true power of the release,' Rika thought. It seemed as if light shone on those seven, moving along with them. The real battle had just begun.

The only thing that bothered her now was the thought was how she couldn't help. She was, apparently, useless now. She had done all she could, and now, it was up to them.

Rika yelped in surprise as Ikkaku and the four arrancar came to close to comfort. "Run, you idiot!" Ikkaku yelled, smiling a mile a minute as he spoke. Then, as an afterthought, he added, "Thanks."

Rika nodded and head back towards the building she had been earlier. But, just before she entered, she gave a passing glance towards Hitsugaya. He couldn't die... this time.

"Let's see what this release can do!" Ikkaku said, smiling viciously at the poor arrancar, who now bore no chance.

The leader sneered. "Whether it is your bankai or third release, it is no matter to us. We still outnumber you, and last time we checked, you two were the ones about to -"

His sentence was cut short as Ikkaku sliced through his throat. He had gained much more agility, something that he didn't have during bankai.

"Too slow," Yumichika said. He had already finished off the other three.

"Too easy. I got the leader. Well, now, looky here. Someone more of a challenge to us!" Espada number five had come closer, trailing the scent of blood.

"Hmm," he licked his lips, "Someone who's really into battle!"

He had lanky, black hair, and had a large eye patch covering most of his left side. The side that was visible showed slits for eyes. He was already in his release form, sprouting an extra pair of arms, each holding onto a scythe like weapon.

Ikkaku had already made a move towards his arms, and had sliced off two of them. To much of his surprise, they grew out, replacing the ones that had fallen off.

"You see, I heal real fast," he laughed, and made a strike for Ikkaku himself.

"Your not the only one who has a special skill! Not only can my Zanpakutou cut your head off (actually, it can now pretty much cut through just about anything) , it can slice through your spiritual power. And my buddy over here, has something to enhance my power, don't you?"

"First of all, it's you who's enhancing my power. (Ikkaku: Why you!!!) And second of all, yes, I do," he twilred the chain on his sword, then, aiming perfectly, it began to twirl around him, capturing him in one place. "Fire any attack at us, my sword will absorb your attack, then it'll throw it back at you - with five times to force!"

"What the f**k!" he shouted. "Nothing can defeat me!" he broke through of the chain as he said it, and drove straight towards Ikkaku. But something felt... different. He was slower, weaker, sluggish. It was as if all his spiritual power had disappeared, and how close to accuracy he was.

"Whoopse, did I mention that once this chain wraps around you, it sucks your spiritual power almost dry? You should be feeling almost human by now," he smiled as if nothing could faze him now. "Ikkaku, will you?"

"My pleasure," and with a single strike, Espada five was gone. But before, they both saw a horrified look on his face. A look that said that nothing could match their power. He knew, that this was only a fragment of their power - was there anything that could match it. No, Aizen would avenge them all!

Rika turned in horror, yet facination. They were strong, and nothing could match their power, except him. He hadn't come yet, but she knew that he would be here anytime. And what was she doing? Nothing. Just waiting, depending on others.

She bit her tounge, aching to tell the rest about him. But she knew that that wouldn't help in the slightest. So there she stood. Alone, feeling helpless -

She stoped in mid thought as she felt long, cold fingers wrap around her mouth.

"Lead me to it, and you won't die. Lead me to it, and your lover stays unharmed!"

Done!!! Thanks to everyone who have come this far with me, and I hope you enjoyed the chapter. I used a lot of people's idea for the third release power, adding a touch of my own, and it looks pretty good to me, and I hope it does to you too.

Hopefully, I'll find more time to write this week

Don't forget to a) tell me who Keiji should fight (can be more than one) and b) - TO REVIEW!! (please?)

-whitemoon46